Mika Hakkinen: McLaren to challenge Red Bull for F1 championship title

Former Formula 1 world champion, Mika Hakkinen, has confidently stated that McLaren will emerge as the closest competitors to Red Bull, despite a lacklustre start to the season.

McLaren's initial performance in Bahrain was disastrous, leaving them with a meagre 17 points from the following six races, and currently placing them in sixth position in the Constructors' standings.

However, McLaren's management has consistently advocated for patience, assuring fans of upcoming infrastructural improvements and the addition of key technical personnel, such as David Sanchez from Ferrari and Rob Marshall from Red Bull.

While Red Bull have displayed dominance in the first seven races, winning every one except for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Ferrari's Charles Leclerc claimed pole position, Hakkinen believes that McLaren will spring a surprise.

Addressing Red Bull's supremacy, Hakkinen told Unibet, "When we examine the teamwork, their pit stops are executed in a mere two seconds, whereas other teams take three or four seconds to change their tyres. It showcases the team's spirit, energy, and seamless cooperation."

He continued, "It won't be easy for other teams to catch up. I don't believe anyone can close the gap to Red Bull this year. However, I anticipate McLaren making extraordinary strides in the next two months."

Hakkinen expressed confidence in McLaren's speed, stating, "They will astound us with their car's velocity. They might even pose a challenge to Red Bull."

As the Formula 1 circus arrives at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, all eyes will be on McLaren's performance in Montreal, eagerly awaiting their potential resurgence.